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Comey was reportedly hopeful things could get better once he clearly pointed out what the appropriate procedures for the White House and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to communicate. New York Magazine identified the individual as Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. Trump's national security advisor Michael Flynn was forced to resign for misleading Vice President Mike Pence about a phone call with the Russian ambassador.

In a series of tweets , Mr Trump threatened Mr Comey and also warned that he may cancel all White House press briefings. Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe also interviewed for the permanent post despite his repeated willingness to break from White House explanations of Comey's ouster and its characterizations of the Russian Federation investigation.

Philharmonic director Laurent Bayle said: "We who want to keep living in societies based on differences, we need step up the effort through this week and call a maximum of people to spread our message of friendship". Although the speech caused an online sensation over plagiarism, it appeared to be an attempt by Le Pen to reach out to supporters of Francois Fillon, who was knocked out in the April 23 first round of voting after coming third with 20 percent of the vote.

Trump and King Salman also signed of a pledge to "counter violent extremism, disrupt the financing of terrorism and advance defense cooperation" and a pledge to bolster arms sales worth almost $110 billion. "$110 billion in weapons will exacerbate, not ameliorate, those imperfections". "Prioritizing American interests means strengthening alliances and partnerships that help us extend our influence and improve the security of the American people".

The rationale provided by the White House during the first 48 hours after the news broke was that Comey was sacked because Trump had lost faith in him after Comey bungled the Clinton investigation. The swirling controversy has obliterated any momentum from the House passage of the Republican health care bill last week and threatens to overshadow Trump's first global trip, beginning next week, in which the president will meet with leaders in both the Middle East and Europe.

As he arrived, the president waved from the doorway of Air Force One and then descended the steps, joined by first lady Melania Trump. Mr Trump hailed a series of business deals reached during meetings in Riyadh, with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir saying they were worth more than US$380 (A$510) billion.